By Bill "Two Scoops" Emes

Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York - Golden Boy Promotions President Oscar De La Hoya got nervous during the late rounds of Saturday's war between Lucas "La Maqina" Matthysse (37-3, 34 KO's) and "The Siberian Rocky" Ruslan Provodnikov (24-4, 17 KO's). The judges had scores of 115-113 twice for Matthysse and 114-114.

De La Hoya felt Matthysse came out very strong and calm and had full control of the fight as bout entered the late rounds. But once the venue speakers were blasting out music from the Rocky motion picture, De La Hoya was worried that Provodnikov would become inspired and stage a late rally - which he did in the final three rounds, including a big left hook in the eleventh to rock Matthysse.

"It's always a concern when you're up against a strong puncher like Provodnikov. He's a strong puncher. You haven't won the fight until the last bell rings. Provodnikov does not know how to take a step back. If you notice around the eleventh, twelfth round - they started playing the Rocky music. I got worried there. I said 'my gosh, he's going to hear that music and get so revved up and energized.' And he did. He came out strong but Lucas Matthysse did a wonderful job behind his jab," De La Hoya told BoxingScene.com.